Weekly Recap (April 27)
Happy Friday everybody! Here’s what’s
been happening in the hockey world over the past week
Second
Round Off to Good Start
The second round of the Stanley Cup
Playoffs officially began on Wednesday. Game 1 between the New York Islanders
and Tampa Bay Lightning had a fast beginning and plenty of scoring. The matchups
in the West were finally set when the Nashville Predators pulled off an upset
at Honda Center, eliminating the Anaheim Ducks in a game 7 for the 4th
straight season.
We haven’t seen any games of the
western second round yet, but I’m most intrigued by the Blues vs. Stars series
and expect a lot of scoring. Stars captain Jamie Benn is on a roll while
Russian superstar Vladimir Tarasenko is expected to make his mark on the
scoreboard.
I predict the Sharks vs. Predators
series will be a very physical one. The Sharks used their team strengths to
their advantage in the Kings series. Not only did they wear down the Kings with
their physical play, but their primary goal scorers, namely Joe Pavelski and Brent
Burns, made timely contributions. Their biggest challenge will be matching up
against the gritty style of Nashville and beating goaltender Pekka Rinne.
Game 1 of the Capitals vs. Penguins
series had plenty to offer as far as entertainment value was concerned. The
game seemed to have a little bit of everything: physical play, speedy goal
scoring, tight goaltending, and an overtime hat trick from TJ Oshie. Even with
only one game in the books, it already looks like it will be a very
entertaining series.
Ottawa
Senators Closer to Downtown Arena
Senators owner Eugene Melnyk has been
given the right to negotiate with the National Capital Commission for a new downtown
arena. In January, multi-billion dollar proposals were made to redevelop the
LeBreton section of downtown Ottawa. The Senators organization now has a say in
the development. The development plan features expanded residences, increased green
space, and a public library.
How Close
is the NHL to Expansion?
Though The NHL executives are still
debating expansion, they appeared to get one step closer to making it happen. According
to Gary Lawless of TSN, “the NHL and NHLPA agreed upon rules of engagement for
an expansion draft.” I personally am in favor of NHL expansion. I think it
would be nice to see the hockey fanbase expand to harder to reach places like
Las Vegas.
Should
Boudreau Be Fired?
It’s too early to make this decision,
but I’m leaning towards yes. He’s a great coach who dug the Ducks out of a hole
in the second half of the season, but I think something has to change in the
Ducks organization in order to get them back on track in the playoffs. I’m sure
it won’t be hard for him to find another coaching job elsewhere. I feel Ottawa
could use someone like him to get back in the playoffs.
That’s all for this week! If you have
questions or requests on what to write about, I’m all ears. Just write a
comment below. I leave you with a funny clip from last night.
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